Friday, April 10, 2015

Its been about a year since I sold my Nikon DSLR equipment and committed to the Fuji X system. I now have an X-E2 with two zooms and two primes, and a tiny little X-20 for situations where I want something extra light or inconspicuous. I have been delighted with both cameras. Their reputed strong points are indeed what has most impressed me. Provided I get the focus correct, the level of detail and sharpness is remarkable. Colors are vivid and, to my eye, realistic. And using software that excels at de-mosaicing the Fuji X-trans sensors, I am able to produce a surprising level of dynamic range, recovering image detail in areas where I thought it was lost. I have gotten very pleasing results converting Fuji raw files with Photo Ninja, Iridient Developer, and my current favorite, Capture One. As a result, I am less interested these days in using HDR software and, in extreme situations that really do exceed the dynamic range of the cameras, I’m more likely to use exposure blending techniques rather than go back to HDR. On this score, I’ve been strongly influenced by Sean Bagshaw, whose tutorials on extended dynamic range are masterful and crystal clear. Also, since the new equipment is relatively easy to carry and use, I’ve become interested in more spontaneous forms of photography such as street photography. So, one year on, I’m very comfortable in the new system, feel like I’m growing as a photographer, and getting results that make me happy. Since I’m an amateur photog, that’s all that matters to me. I’m really excited for the sun to come out, the snow to melt, and outdoor photography season to begin.